Boys State/NationTwo representatives from each of the 50 Boys States represent their state at Boys Nation in Washington, where the young leaders receive an education on the structure and function of federal government.
The first Boys Nation – then called Boys Forum of National Government – convened at American University in Washington in August 1946. The 1946 American Legion National Convention adopted the event as an official youth activity. Three years later, it became American Legion Boys Nation.
At the event, each delegate acts as a senator from his Boys State. The young lawmakers caucus at the beginning of the session, then organize into committees and conduct hearings on bills submitted by program delegates.
Senators learn the proper method of handling bills, according to U.S. Senate rules. Participation in the political process is emphasized throughout the week, including organization of party conventions and nominating and electing a president and vice president.
The week of government training also includes lectures, forums and visits to federal agencies, institutions, memorials and historical sites. On Capitol Hill, Boys Nation senators meet with elected officials from their home states.
Field trips include Arlington National Cemetery, the National Mall, the Supreme Court, the Department of State, the Capitol and the White House.
Since Boys Nation began in 1946, a number of its graduates have been elected to public office, including presidents, congressmen, state governors and state legislators. Many others have been inspired to work for the campaigns of individuals seeking public office.
“A constitutional speech contest”
The American Legion Oratorical Contest exists to develop deeper knowledge and appreciation for the U.S. Constitution among high school students. Since 1938, the program has presented participants with an academic speaking challenge that teaches important leadership qualities, the history of our nation’s laws, the ability to think and speak clearly, and an understanding of the duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of American citizenship. The program has featured numerous politicians and prominent contestants over the years, including former president candidate Alan Keyes and CNN anchor Lou Dobbs.
Young orators earn some of the most generous college scholarships available to high school students. Over $138,000 in scholarships can be awarded each year. The overall national contest winner gets an $18,000 scholarship. Second place takes home $16,000, and third gets $14,000. Each department (state) winner who is certified into and participates in the national contest’s first round receives a $1,500 scholarship. Those who advance past the first round receive an additional $1,500 scholarship. The American Legion’s National Organization awards the scholarships, which can be used at any college or university in the United States.
High school students under age 20 are eligible. Competition begins at the post level and advances to a state competition. Legion department representatives certify one winner per state to the national contest, where department winners compete against each other in two speaking rounds. The contest caps off with a final round that decides the three top finishers.
Speaking subjects must be on some aspect of the U.S. Constitution, with some emphasis on the duties and obligations of citizens to our government. Speeches are eight to 10 minutes long; three-to-five minute speeches on an assigned topic also are part of the contest.
The 2022 NC Student Trooper Program has been cancelled due to lack of student participation. NC State Troopers contribute a week out of their training schedule to our program but we must have 20 participants to make it happen.
We are continually being asked what can be done with my old flag that is worn and tattered. The U.S. Flag Code states, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning”, you can drop off your worn and tattered flag at any time and we will dispose of your flag for free in the dignified manner it deserves.
Flag drop off container is located by front door of building.
Ronald McDonald House Can Tab Drive Please remember to bring in all of the drink can tabs that you are able to collect or save to each meeting.
The Department of North Carolina American Legion has partnered with the Ronald McDonald House in Durham, NC in the form of collecting drink can tabs. The tabs collected from a post are sold, and the money is donated to the Ronald McDonald House in our Post's name. The Ronald McDonald helps provide rooms for the parents of patients at Duke University Childrens Hospital to stay in so they can be near their child during the hospital stay.
There is a small nominal fee for the rooms, however, many families cannot afford this fee, and the money received from the can tab sales helps to pay these fees for those that may be less fortunate.